#MommaDiaries | RL - AT YOUR SERVICE!

This summer, RL wanted to do a lot of things. As in, he had his whole game plan on what activities to do - drums, swimming, golf, Kiddie Crew, art, etc. Of course, he couldn't do everything at the same time... so while he had drums and golf on most days, we saved a week for McDonald's Kiddie Crew.

Summer is not complete without the annual Kiddie Crew Workshop at McDonald's! We were blessed to get a slot for the ABSCBN Branch, as it is nearest the office - next to EDSA Panay, which is currently under renovation.

RL getting briefed by Kuya Deo from McDonald's ABSCBN.

This isn't RL's first time at McDonald's Kiddie Crew. He missed last year's though, so he was eager to do this again this summer. Over 400 participating McDonald's stores are conducting Kiddie Crew workshops this year. This awesome family program has been running since 1992. McDonald's is a pioneer in getting kids to learn the ropes in running a store. The kids go through a fun-filled 5-day learning workshop that encourages them to develop a sense of discipline, hard work, teamwork, responsibility and sharing.

RL and front counter duties.

Happy, little server!

RL was all too excited for his week at McDonald's. His favorite day was Drive-Thru Day!

Excited to lead the afternoon team at Drive-Thru!

Serving a Drive-Thru customer.

RL was surprised to find his first-grade classmate, Ramon, as one of the passengers in a car that drove-thru that day. So yes, that was extra exciting for him. Our HR Manager, Mikey, also drove-thru this particular branch unplanned. RL was so proud. Haha!

These cuties made the Drive-Thru section fun!

The kids also learned how to make their own McDonald's Cheeseburgers. Having done this several times in the past, and being a regular at KidZania, RL felt like quite the expert - he even asked that they leave out the dill pickle for his set of ingredients.

Let me make you a McDonald's Cheeseburger.

All done!

Aside from actual store duties, the kids also do arts and crafts, singing and dancing.

Dancing to BigBang's Fantastic Baby!

Overall, it was a week well-spent. The workshop culminated with a recognition and awarding ceremony.

RL's batch of Kiddie Crew 2016 Graduates!

Thank you, Deo, for your hard work and dedication. You are very much appreciated!

Thank you, McDonald's for being part of RL's memorable summer. He claims it to be the best summer ever... so far. Hehe.

You can enroll your kids, nieces, nephews, siblings or cousins age 6-12 years old for a fee of PHP650. Kiddie Crew participants will get a workshop t-shirt, cap, bag, I.D., workshop materials, pin/badge for every activity, apron, chef’s hat, meals for five days, and a certificate. Kiddie Crew workshops will culminate in Grand Graduation ceremonies in nine major areas around the country such as Pampanga, North Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, and Metro Manila.

McDonald's Kiddie Crew workshops are running every week at several stores Nationwide. But you must hurry because last day for registration is on May 27, 2016! For more information, check out this link or visit a McDonald's store today!

| facebook.com/McDo.ph

McDonald's Kiddie Crew Giveaway!

When my siblings and I were kids, our mom made it a point to fill up our summer vacations. I'm telling you, our days were packed! We went from music lessons (piano, guitar, voice, drums, etc) to art classes, swimming lessons, basketball clinic and yes, even Reading Dynamics! I remember just being dragged out of the house everyday to reading comprehension classes in Greenhills. Yes, those were the days.

There was a time, however, when we'd spend the early part of summer in Baguio for youth camp. I always dreaded the bus ride up the mountain - I always got sick. But everything would be okay once we reached the summer capital! Summers in Baguio were always fun! We'd pick seeds from wilting flowers (to plant back home) and gather pine needles, pretend it was hay, and make a bed just like the one Heide's grandpapa did in the cartoon. We'd ask for food from the commissary, even when rules were no snacks in between. We'd sneak out of camp to go to Maharlika to shop. Yes, those were indeed memorable summers.

One of those trips to Baguio. With my brother KM and cousin A.

When I finally had kids of my own, I found myself wanting to do the same! LOL! There must be better things to do than slothing off the summer.

Last month, RL had the chance to join McDonald's Kiddie Crew! We were among the first ones to register at the new franchised McDonald's Don Antonio store. While at first, RL needed a bit of prodding and convincing, he actually loved the experience, especially since he got to try everything first-hand at his favorite fast food joint!

When the five-day program was over, he actually asked me if he could join again. Our nanny is currently on vacation, and I am actually considering another stint at McDonald's before the month ends. McDonald's Kiddie Crew, now on it's 22nd year, runs until the last week of May. Last day of registration has been extended until May 25, so you actually still have time to get your kids to try out being part of McDonald's.

Are you looking for activities for your kid? Here's good news for you! 

McDonald's is giving out a Kiddie Crew Kit to four (4) blessed readers of The First Wives Club blog. It's so easy to join, but you must make sure that your child (son/ daughter/ nephew/ niece/ sibling) qualifies first.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Your child must be:

• ... between the ages of 6 - 12 years old.
• ... from NCR.
• ... be available to join the workshop on May 19 to 23 in their preferred store.

HERE'S HOW TO JOIN:

1. Follow the steps on Rafflecopter below.
2. Leave a blog post comment. This is the most important entry you shouldn't miss. You have to share your favorite childhood summer experience in order to join this giveaway. The other entry options are optional. But doing them will gain you additional entries (yay!). 
3. You may only join this giveaway (on this blog) once. No multiple entries using your different accounts please.
4. If your whole family is joining the promo, please make sure that your shared posts are made separately on all accounts. You may not post the link to one sole shared post and expect them to qualify. 
5. The giveaway will run until 11:59PM of Saturday, May 10.
6. Winners will be picked via Rafflecopter, and will be announced on May 14. Winners will also be notified via the email address they provided when logging on to Rafflecopter.
7. Again, winners' kids must be available to join their respective workshops on May 19 to 23. Dates will not be adjusted so make sure your kids are available that week. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget! Your child must qualify first, so do read 'Qualifications' first before joining this promo! Good luck!

PS. I know I've been behind on my weekly giveaways, so I'm making it up to you with this 4-winner giveaway! Hehe. Sorry, been really busy at work!

McDonald's Kiddie Crew 2014!

I've been trying to convince RL to join this summer's McDonald's Kiddie Crew Program. We missed last year's cut-off because the little boy had a lot on his plate (swimming lessons then Trumpets). Then again, he might have been too young anyway.

This year, I wanted to be on time (and first in line at the McDonald's store two minutes away from where we live), so I bugged the peeps at McDonald's for this year's workshop schedule. All year round, I kept mentioning the opportunity to RL (a bad technique, I know, as I was projecting my ideals on the little man, oops - more on this on another post), and he wasn't too keen on it at first... until I mentioned that his big sister, A, joined Kiddie Crew when she was around his age (and we all know how he just idolizes his big sister). So two weeks ago, after reassuring him that he can do basketball clinic after McDonald's week, he gave in. Yes!

(Yes, yes, Momma and her childhood hang-ups. *sheepish grin*)

RL and Ronald McDonald!

And it was a blessing-in-disguise when, exactly two weeks ago, we were invited to the media launch for this year's Kiddie Crew Program. There, RL got to try out being part of McDonald's. We missed the kitchen tour because we were late, but he got to try out other activities similar to those they have lined up for this year's Kiddie Crew. He got to do crafts, paint his very own chef's hat, make his first-ever McDonald's Cheeseburger and hang out with other kids who love, love, love McDonald's.

During National Breakfast Day, I made sure to enroll him right away, and was set to let him start this week. But then of course I forgot about my uber-packed schedule, what with Passion Manila 2014 happening Thursday and Friday. So I asked to resched and got him in for next week instead.

I have no pictures of the orientation that happened Sunday morning, because I was too busy being the proud Momma! RL was called to the front to introduce himself to the other kids, and he did really well! All this time, I thought he was a boy of few words. Apparently, I thought wrong (I am so glad school helped him with developing confidence). He gladly went in front when they called his name out, took the mic and said "Hi, I'm RL. I am five years old, and my favorite food from McDonald's is chicken, rice and gravy." Haha, okay, I know he's very talkative in front of people he's comfortable with (family, friends, my officemates, etc), but put him in front of strangers (or his teacher during PTC) and he clams up. I suppose he's more mature now, and all that training for Musical Theatre has worked. Teehee. Mighty proud Momma here, I tell you.

The kids and their letter M (for McDonald's)

So anyway, yes, he's all set for next week. Can't tell you just how excited I am! I can't wait to visit during his shift! Thank goodness McDonald's decided to open a store near our home!

~~~ * ~~~

McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop is now on its 22nd year (imagine that!), and this summer, kids ages 6-12* can enjoy activities the McDonald's way!

For only Php595, kids get to join the special 5-day workshop filled with activities such as burger-making, crafts, singing, dancing and fun restaurant on-floor training! What a great way to instill important work values and skills to your kids! The workshop fee also includes a limited-edition Kiddie Crew Workshop shirt, bag, ID lace, snacks and all materials for their daily activities.

Aside from the 5-day workshop, you and your kid also get to join the grand graduation event. All Kiddie Crew graduates will receive a McCelebrations Gift Certificate worth Php500, plus freebies to enjoy with their Kiddie Crew Club Card.

Painting his chef's hat...

Making his first-ever McDonald's Cheeseburger!

Eating his work of art!

So let your kids have a memorable (and cool!) summer experience - the McDonald's way! Registration is now open at participating McDonald's stores nationwide. Workshops will run until May 30, 2014.

Workshop schedule for 2014.

SIGN YOUR KIDS UP TODAY! Registration ends April 30.


*Kids below 6 years old may participate provided that their parents sign a Parents Approval/ Consent form. Only selected stores will allow this, depending on store traffic and available personnel, so please check with the store before you enroll your kid/s.

For more information, and for a complete list of participating stores, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph


| facebook.com/McDo.ph
| twitter.com/McDo_ph

#ThrowbackThursday: Beach!

My kids love the beach. But we haven't been back this year. Last year, we went to far-off Lobo, Batangas for our company outing, but the beach there is rocky. A enjoyed though, because Lobo's shore is littered with hermit crab and shells. We don't take 'em home. She just loves them!

We were supposed to go to Boracay with my siblings for Labor Day, but couldn't get any more flights (as it was a last-minute decision). Oh well, maybe we could do Subic or Anvaya before school starts. Or yes, Mia, Matabungkay! 

Here are some beach photos of the kids taken three years ago.

This was at Adventure Beach, owned and operated by Camayan Beach Resort.

A spends most of the time searching for shells and hermit crab.

It is so hot right now in Manila. Makes me want to take that drive to the beach. Why aren't there clean and decent beaches nearby? So sad.

Which beach do you usually frequent?

We're Going On a Trip!

Not in our fave rocket ship, but you get the picture. LOL!

Yes, the kids and I are taking our annual trip to the homeland this week. Many of you have requested that I write about traveling with kids (especially toddlers) since I almost always do it as the lone adult. Well, this isn't going to be THAT blog. Haha!

If you've been wondering why we always go to Hong Kong in July, well that's because Hong Kong has its Annual Summer Shopping Festival on the months of July and August. This year, it started about two weeks early. Yes, it is SALE season in Hong Kong as we speak.

Last year, the kids and I didn't do much as HK was scorching hot AND totally humid. We spent half a day at Hong Kong Disneyland and the rest of the time (we stayed for almost a week), we wasted in the malls (to cool off mostly). Last year's SALE wasn't as great as the years before, so we did most of our shopping at IKEA and Disneyland (imagine that).

Remember this photo from last year? Evidence of shopping at HK Disney. LOL!

On a summer (June to August is summer in Hong Kong) trip once, when RL was about 7 months old, it was soooo hot in Hong Kong, I swear we all got a tan - darker than the tan we'd get on trips to the beach. My kids would get so hot and sticky and RL would get rashes from the heat.

This year, I promise things will go differently. Other than the fact that KY will be with us (Thank You, Lord! I have an assistant! KY, I didn't say yaya a!), I'm gonna come prepared!

A few weeks ago, I had received this from the nice folks of Johnson's Baby, c/o my friends from Nuffnang.

My secret weapon to combat hot, sticky and humid weather! Thank you, Johnson's Baby!

I was busy organizing things for my online garage sale when this awesome pack of products came, that I didn't notice the nanny putting it away. Alas, while looking for "ingredients" for a Baby Blooms order, I found the bag in the attic. Haay, yaya.

So yes, because our nanny left us for good Friday night (I had to let her go because she's giving birth), I had asked her to bring out the things we normally take on trips - black cosmetic bag, stroller organizer, water bottles, medicine and first aid kit, etc.

Weather Forecast
as checked Friday night

On previous trips, I had always thought I was pretty prepared. But see, in Hong Kong, the weather can change drastically. One day it's fine, then the next day, they'll declare a typhoon signal in the morning, a severe cyclone signal in the afternoon, etc. And then it gets all scorching hot again. Yes, it gets crazy like that. Especially in July. And it's wrong to assume that because this country is merely an hour and 45 minutes or so away, the weather could pretty much be the same as ours. True, it's the rainy season there, but it can get really, really hot. As in, extremely hot.

Weather Forecast
as checked today.
Bye, sunny day!
(Yea, right)

I checked the weather for this week. We head to the homeland on Thursday. Looks like rain. But see, just last Thursday, they had a signal 8 - that's cyclone material. Last time, A and I got caught in a cyclone 8 was back in August of 2007 and we were stuck at Central Station for a good 4 hours. Got ourselves on local TV, too. Prior to that day, it was very hot and humid. I swear, the weather can be crazy there.

In 2009, we were at Hong Kong Disneyland on a fine, July day. It was drizzling in the morning. After lunch, it reached the high 30s and I almost collapsed from heat exhaustion. I was still breastfeeding RL then, and I suppose I didn't think I'd get THAT dehydrated. Good thing we had our nanny with us.

In 2010, my kids and I got a bad tan at the park. Last year, I didn't think it would get as hot, as I had relied on the weekly weather forecast. Although the forecast was correct, the weather changed midday and we were sweating in fever-like weather.

So yes, this year, we are coming prepared.

Hot July visits to Hong Kong Disneyland.
From top left, clockwise: Exasperated look on RL's face, while watching a parade (July 2011).
This picture of A speaks for itself, LOL (July 2009).
18-month old RL with two stroller fans (July 2010).
A can't open her eyes for the picture, with the sun too bright (July 2010).
With PEx friends Zalvaje and Gasoline, see the tan line on my arm???!! (July 2010)
Sweaty RL with his stickers. (July 2011)

I am making sure I bring these with us to Hong Kong. Folks, allow me to present my artillery (LOL!):

These Johnson's Baby products have been designed to combat the consequences of staying under the sun!

JOHNSON'S BABY COOLING POWDER
RL is allergic to heat. LOL! Seriously, he gets really irritated when it's hot and sticky, and complains about "pawis". So Johnson's Baby Cooling Powder is an answered prayer. It keeps RL cool and keeps his back dry. What I like about this product? It cools the skin in less than a minute. Told you it was answered prayer. Hehe.

JOHNSON'S BABY SKIN PROTECTION POWDER
My kids are prone to heat rash and prickly heat, especially RL who has skin asthma. So this powder is a must! Especially around his neck area and the singit (hehe). I sometimes mix this with the Cooling Powder to give both RL and A double protection. Johnson's Baby Skin Protection Powder has Zinc Oxide that's a proven anti-bacterial agent. It also has magnesium stearate which repels wetness. Together, this main ingredients in this wonder powder helps fight rashes and prevents it from coming back.

JOHNSON'S BABY SUMMER PEACH BATH
I recently discovered this and we are currently using this for RL. It smells so good. Seriously, he doesn't smell like he's played outside all day when we use this for bath time. I'm tempted to have A use this for school days. She tends t be "amoy-araw" and "amoy-ewan", especially after a long day in school. I want my kids smelling fresh, even after a long, tiring, hot day at the park.

JOHNSON'S BABY COOLING BATH
Like the Cooling Powder, this baby bath aids in keeping baby fresh and cool all day. Wanna know a secret? I use this bath to cool and soak my kids' feet! Both of them tend to get really sweaty (and stinky!) feet. So this relaxes them and ensures that their feet come out smelling good after a long soak. LOL! Really, it works! I also like using this for their baths because they always come out cool and fresh.

JOHNSON'S BABY DAILY SUN PROTECTION LOTION
It isn't enough to protect a child from feeling sticky and hot, or from the perils of prickly heat and being "amoy-araw". Most parents forget to protect their child from the number one cause of skin disease - skin exposure to the sun. Check most baby bags, and you will hardly find a tube of sunblock. This is my favorite Johnson's Baby product ever, and I am happy this has been made available here. If you haven't tried it, go and get your kids one. It is light and non-greasy and has a very mild scent, unlike most sunblocks that are labeled "for kids". This being a Johnson's Baby product, you are sure that it has been tested safe to use for your little ones everyday. We haven't left home without one since we first tried it!

JOHNSON'S BABY COLOGNE
Out of all the variants available for Johnson's Baby Cologne, five scents are our favorites - Regular (I'm happy this is still available after all these years!), Summer Swing, Tumble, Bounce, and A's favorite, Slide. I grew up on Johnson's Baby Cologne, and it is the one thing that reminds me of summer days. Nothing like smelling like a baby, despite being under the sun all day. Johnson's Baby Cologne is a must for Play Days!

Thanks to Johnson's Baby, my Hong Kong survival kit's packed with the right stuff.

Sooooooooo Hot!

It is officially Summer! I love the sun and all, but seriously, these days have been too hot! My little boy has been complaining about the heat. He says it's too hot to even move. LOL! Who knows where he picked that up but I agree with him 100%!

We've been taking a bath at least twice a day to beat the heat. RL swims in the morning, and sometimes again in the afternoon. The heat gets really bad, you often find yourself sweating right after you step out of the shower (yes, folks from the north, it's THAT bad here). Good thing we discovered SoTrue. 

SoTrue Castile Soap is made from 100% pure saponified olive oil and is delicately scented with pure essential oils. Mild enough for newborn babies' skin, Castile soap is prized for its gentle cleansing and moisturizing properties. You can even use them on your hair!SoTrue because these soaps are TRUE Castile soaps, no other vegetable oils are added apart from pure olive oil. SoTrue because these are REAL soaps as they naturally contain glycerin and do not contain harmful chemicals.

Mia Rocha-Lauchengco's firstborn had eczema. So she did some research and found out that most baby soaps in the market weren't mild enough for her little girl's sensitive skin. From her research she learned that true Castiles were the best for babies, as they were also called "newborn soap" - being gentle and mild enough to use on newborn skin.  And so started her quest for good, clean soap. But the Philippines didn't have much to offer when it comes to pure Castiles, so Mia decided to make her own soap.

She made some for family and gave some to close friends. She made soap on and off, until she got pregnant with her second child. Turns out, her little boy also has eczema. So she went back to making soaps for her kids. This time though, she thought of selling her Castiles. Thus, SoTrue was born.

SoTrue Castile Soap - from L-R, Lemongrass Peppermint, Coffee Peppermint, Peppermint Cinnamon and Rose.
In addition to the Castile Soap line, SoTrue has introduced SoTrue Naturals Skin Repair Balm - also one of my favorites!

Actually, a lot of the organic and homemade soaps out there are marketed as "Castile Soap", with the term 
used 
loosely 
to
encompass
 any 
soap 
that 
uses 
only 
vegetable 
oils (such
 as 
the 
more 
economical
coconut 
and
 palm
 oils).


SoTrue 
Castile 
Soap, 
however,
 has
 chosen 
to 
be 
true 
to 
the 
definition 
of 
true 
Castile
soap,
upholding 
the 
centuries old 
soap-making 
tradition, 
by 
using 
only
saponified 
pure 
olive 
oil 
(not 
pomace)
 and enriching 
it 
with 
therapeutic-grade
essential 
oils 
from
 Australia, 
France 
and
 the 
United
 States. 
SoTrue Castile Soap 
contains
 none
of 
the 
harmful, 
synthetic 
chemicals
 found
 in 
many 
beauty 
and
 cosmetic 
products
available 
today, making it safe for use by children and pregnant women.

Mia says, "I am committed to making only soap I would use on my own young children. If I won't use them on my own kids, I won't give them to you."

This business sense sounds familiar, actually. As it is the same with NappyCakes. I wouldn't put anything on the diaper cake that I personally will not use for myself or my kids. So when I learned about Mia's soaps, I knew I had to give them a try.

Our favorite soap right now is SoTrue's Coffee Peppermint Bar. Hands down a winner, especially on hot, summer days.

Coffee Peppermint! Smells so good. My room smells so nice because of this bar.

Think cool and perk-me-up. I don't think I'll ever take a bath using another soap, especially in this heat. SoTrue's Coffee Peppermint Bar will surely awaken those senses and keep your body cool, long after you step out of the shower. I feel refreshed especially after using this on my face (And yes, because SoTrue is real Castile, you're sure it's mild and safe for your face, too).

Try their best-selling TLC line - the mildest soap variants for young children and those with sensitive skin. I want to try their Lavender Oatmeal Soap for RL, who, like me, suffers from skin asthma and eczema flare-ups.

Each bar of SoTrue Castile Soap is handmade and prepared in small batches to ensure the quality of each bar - making a very nourishing and moisturizing soap that is both luxurious and mild. 

SoTrue Castile Soaps, all in a row. 

Watch out for Limited Edition bars like this delicious-looking Christmas Bar!

I love, love, love this soap! I have been raving about it for weeks. I've always associated pure, organic soaps to be those that melt right away (and melt a hole in your pocket at that), but SoTrue has proven me wrong on both points. In fact, we're still on our first bar (the secret to this is keeping it dry after use)! And they're not as pricey as I thought they would be.

We're talking real Castile Soap here.

SoTrue Castile Soap - So cool. So good. So true. Try it and let your skin feel the difference!

For orders and inquiries (and the list of available products), text Mia at 09175334206.
Or email her at sotruecastilesoap@gmail.com 
http://sotruecastilesoap.com/

A Dip A Day...

...keeps the heat away! And that's exactly what my little boy has been up to. He's been swimming everyday, well almost. It started Holy Week when A was with my folks and sibs in Pampanga. RL and I stayed in Manila. It was so hot one day, I decided to take A's old pool down from the attic, cleaned it and filled it with nice, cool water for RL.

RL in A's old Barbie Heart Pool. Hehehe, who cares if it's pink when it's hot? LOL!

He's been taking a dip in it everyday since. Well, except for that weekend when my neighbors knocked down their old windows, and we couldn't use the courtyard because of the dust.

We actually have a big inflatable pool, but it's too big for the courtyard!

R (not in photo) took the kids swimming!

How timely that Johnson's Baby has introduced a new product to keep babies' skin protected during the hot, summer months. Yes, the NEW! Johnson's® Baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion (currently my fave baby product) is finally out in the Philippine market! Woot! Finally! A mild sun block that's safe for RL's sensitive skin. Thank goodness for this, my kids can have SAFE fun under the sun.

~~~

NEW! Johnson’s® Baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion

Introducing Johnson’s® baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion, a first from Johnson’s – this product makes sure baby’s skin stays protected, even when mom thinks they've got it all covered.

Baby’s skin is still developing so it is not yet fully capable of protecting him against environmental stresses like the sun’s harsh rays. It also has less melanin, which acts as natural protection against UV rays, making him more susceptible to sun damage. While his skin might not be showing signs of sun damage now, excessive sun exposure can build up over time and can result in wrinkles, sunspots, and even melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Johnson’s® baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion contains special ingredients that can block as much as 90% of the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays, offering wide sun protection. Its clinically-proven mild formula is light and non-greasy, making it safe and comfortable for everyday use. This new product is safe to use for babies 6 months and up!

Johnson’s® baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion is available at Mercury Drug, Baby Company, Watsons and selected supermarkets near you. Available in SPF15 100ml (P230.00 SRP) and SPF30 50ml (P215.00 SRP).


To know more about Johnson’s ® baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion, visit: www.babycenter.com.ph/sunprotection

A McFloat Treat to Beat the Heat!

HOT? 

Beat the heat with a McFloat & Fries Combo from McDonalds! Only P55.00 for the regular combo! The perfect snack to get to beat the summer heat!

Blueberry Sprite McFloat with Fries! P55.00!

What's more, with every order of a McFloat, get a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus! Each purchase of a McFloat entitles you to a peel-apart card!

So hurry, beat the heat with a McFloat today! 

*This is not paid advertisement, nor is it endorsed. I just went and got a combo and thought to share the McFloat Love. Love ko to e.

Road Trip to Far, Far Away!

Many years ago, R decided we should join his childhood friends on a trip out of town. It was at a friend's beach resort in far, far Lobo, Batangas. Smack in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the night, we thought we were lost (the roads weren't paved - think moon craters) and R wanted to make a U-turn and head home. But we didn't, and made it to the resort safe and sound. It turned out to be a great weekend, but we swore we wouldn't go back as the trip was long, tiring and... uh... bumpy.

A month ago, when the office folks planned our summer outing, our Sales and Marketing Director, TP, suggested his late brother-in-law's diving resort. Where else? But in Lobo, Batangas. I was first to object, remembering that trip many years back (the U-turn story still the subject of jokes and laughs). But TP was able to convince everyone else. I do remember R's childhood friends telling me how the roads have been paved recently and that the once 4-5 hour trip now takes about 3 hours max.

Yesterday, right before we left Manila, I was half-praying (ok, maybe really praying they'd cancel because of the weather), but Sir TP was set on going! Everyone was excited, and I didn't want another episode of the last Christmas Party (long story) so I got it together and left for Lobo with the kids.

Star Tollway, on the way to Batangas City...

Kids were excited to go see the beach. 

T'was a pretty uneventful ride. We got to the end of the Star Tollway at a little past 4. If the roads were indeed paved, I'd say we'd get there in an hour or so. But when we got to Malabrigo, the barangay with all the seaside resorts, Sir TP didn't stop! We left paved roads and continued straight where the road was a single vehicle's width. Daylight left, and we were still driving along a rocky path with no streetlights. I was tempted to do an R and suggested we make a U-turn. Sir TP must not know what it means to convoy. We could no longer see his vehicle lights. But we continued on and reached a beach-side property at the end of what seemed like the edge of Batangas.

The beaches of Batangas are mostly rocky but perfect for scuba diving!

Turned out to be a great weekend. So I'm glad we took the trip, albeit long, tiring and still bumpy.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Walk on Sunshine...

... with the new McFloat Summer Medley flavors from McDonald's.

Only P29 for the regular-sized Summer Medley flavors (Regular Coke Float is still P25).
Want more? Monster-size it! P45 for the new floats, P40 for the Monster-sized Coke Float. 

Don't these look refreshing? Ah!

I was driving to work the other day and decided to get myself brunch from the McDonald's Drive-Thru. I was surprised to see new floats on their menu board - The NEW McFloat Summer Medley. Because it was too early for dessert, I made a mental note to try one in the afternoon. Lucky me, my office is a stone's throw away from McDonald's Quezon Avenue. It was hot that day, so it was the perfect excuse to fit in a float (or two!) for merienda (I actually upgraded my cheeseburger meal to get the float, but shhh, don't let my diet know, LOL). I tried the new Blueberry Sprite McFloat. Mmm, t'was good.

That was Wednesday afternoon. The next day, when I took A to the office with me because we had to "review" for Friday's last day of exams, we drove-thru for more. We tried the Green Apple Sprite McFloat. Mmmm. Sooo good, too. Nothing like a great thirst-quencher for the hot, humid summer months!

A refreshing medley for the summer - The new McFloat Summer Medley flavors!
From Left to Right: Four Seasons Sprite, Honey Banana Sprite, Green Apple Sprite and Blueberry Sprite.

And just when I thought the Blueberry and Green Apple flavors were my faves, today, A and I got to try all four McFloat Summer Medley flavors - Blueberry Sprite (A's favorite), Green Apple Sprite, Four Seasons Sprite, and Honey Banana Sprite (surprisingly sooooooooo good, although I must admit I wasn't so sure at first. But it is NOW my official favorite summer drink). What's more is today, we also found out about McDonald's newest brand ambassador - Xian Lim! Yes, Binondo Girl cutie-boy-next-door, the Xian Lim.

This poster should have read: Xian & McDonald's, Perfect Summer Combo. Teehee.

I think McDonald's chose the perfect celebrity endorser for their newest offering, because Xian is such a hottie, you're gonna want to cool off each time you see him on the telly. And what better way to cool off than with these new, refreshing McFloat Summer Medley flavors... Want to know what I mean? Watch this:

Xian can walk on sunshine with me anytime. LOL! Seriously, the new floats are fun drinks, and Xian's youthfulness and fun image matches McDonald's new products to the T. I mean, Xian is love and McDo is Love Ko 'To, right? Haha! (ang corny ko!)

What a charmer this new McDonald's Brand Ambassador is! I love this photo, by the way.

Margot Torres, VP for Marketing and Communications of McDonald's Philippines, sums it up when she said, "Summer is all about fun and excitement. Bonding with friends is more fun with great food and cool music. With McFloat Summer Medley, McDonald's is sure to become a favorite destination this season."

Right on she is! It's always, ALWAYS great to share a meal with A. She loves McDonald's Chicken McDo, she can eat that everyday (for real!). Now we can even upgrade our drinks to the new floats (just add P20 to your meal to change your regular drink to the new McFloat Summer Medley). I can already see how often we'll be at McDonald's this summer!

A's favorite McDonald's meal - the Chicken McDo, a Philippines exclusive. #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines!

A, with the original and legendary brand ambassador of Mickey Ds - Ronald McDonald himself!
(Hi to John Bueno aka Kumagcow, who makes it to this photo as well)

And I'm sure you already KNOW how good Fries go with Floats (the perfect snack combo!), right? Because right now, at almost 3 in the morning, I am craving for a Honey Banana Sprite McFloat and Medium Fries (only P55 for the combo! + P40 because McDelivery is LOVE - they deliver 24 hours, including the floats and desserts)! Don't you just love McDonald's?

Float and Fries = NOM!

How cute is this guy?
WIN!!! Be Our Guest cards from McDonalds!
Tweet @mcdo_ph and tell them why you think #XIANlovesMcDo and why you love McDo too!
Don't forget the hash tag!   

A "family" photo for the road. Hehe.
See, Ate, it isn't a standee. He's the real thing. LOL!

Xian Lim gives me more reason to say "McDonald's... Love Ko 'To!"

McFloat Summer Medley is available in all McDonald's stores nationwide via Dine-In, Take-Out or Drive-Thru. Enjoy these new floats anytime, anywhere, by calling McDelivery service 8-MCDO (8-6236) or by visiting www.mcdelivery.com.ph. 

http://www.mcdonalds.com.ph
https://twitter.com/#!/mcdo_ph
https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph 

Follow Xian Lim on Twitter here.